First time traveller

I'm from northern California and really want to go out and try something new with my life and decided I would like to travel somewhere. I was supposed to go to Costa Rica a while back and it's pretty cheap so I thought of it as an option, my friend who went said it could be pretty dangerous if you're by yourself. (which I would be)

I would say I'm most concerned about getting my passport stolen, is there anyway I can make a copy and store my original passport at like a US owned center in Costa Rica? Do any of you seasoned travellers think Costa Rica is too dangerous to travel alone as a single male?

Costa Rica would be one of the safest destinations in Central America. Take a chill pill my travelling brother, it's not that bad out there.

I have never taken my passport to a consulate for safekeeping. I find it an interesting notion, and it's possible....But, again, chillax. No one wants your passport. If you really worry, get a waterproof folder and keep it with you. Or bring duct tape and be creative in your hotel room. They want your money, I'd be more worried about that.

Also, photocopy everything. Give copies to people you trust, and keep a couple of copies in different places in your kit. I have the perfect spot, but if I tell you, it won't be perfect anymore.